Home Love Part 3: A new bathroom, plus a contemporary budget reno
In this chapter of my Home Love series, I’m sharing the transformation of the bathrooms in my investment property. The original bathroom began as a cramped, dated space and is now a fresh, beautifully resolved retreat for a future family. Watch it now!
Thanks for stopping by for Part 3 of Home Love, where it’s all about my new bathrooms! Bathrooms might be some of the smallest rooms in the home, but when it comes to value and lifestyle impact, they punch well above their weight. In my official capacity of Interior Designer Wendy Moore, many of you have followed my renovations on Selling Houses Australia, and you’ll know I believe every bathroom should feel functional, calm and a little bit indulgent, even in a budget renovation.
This renovation of my own investment property was all about smart planning, thoughtful finishes and creating maximum impact without overspending. Here’s what I chose, and why.
Design details that deliver everyday practicality
Functionality is everything in a bathroom, especially in an investment property makeover, so in the new bathroom I prioritised storage and easy‑clean surfaces. Lighting was another important consideration. Good lighting (mine is from Beacon Lighting) helps the space feel larger and improves how it’s used morning and night. Whether I’m designing for a family, tenants or my own home, clever lighting is a non‑negotiable.
And while bathrooms often demand more technical updates, this new one still follows the principles behind a renovation on a budget: choose upgrades with long‑term value, skip what doesn’t serve the function, and select finishes that stand the test of time.
Before and after: a transformation to love
The shift from the old bathroom to the new one is one of my favourite transformations in this project. It’s a reminder that with meticulous planning and a cohesive vision, a dated room can become a highlight of the whole home. This renovation marks another step in the journey of preparing this property for a future family - functional, beautiful and ready for real life.
I chose a suite of products from Caroma, including the Caroma Liano CleanFlush® toilet suite for its slimline profile and easy-to-clean lines.
It’s the brushed brass touches that come via the Liano II range, also from Caroma, that elevate the look. It comprises Hand Towel Rail, Mid Tower Basin Mixer and even the mixers and cover plates. – Round Cover Plate – Brushed Brass.
A bathroom rethink: from tight and tired to light and relaxed
The original bathroom was small, dark and showing its age. To bring it back to life, I started with a clear goal: make the space feel bigger, brighter and easier to use every day. That meant reworking the layout for better flow, improving storage and choosing finishes that feel calm but elevated.
Large‑format tiles create the illusion of space and reduce grout lines, which keeps the room looking clean and seamless. A stone‑topped vanity (this one is the ADP Eli wall hung vanity from The Blue Space) adds a subtle luxury, helping the bathroom feel like a retreat rather than simply a utility zone.
Stay tuned for the next part of the Home Love series, where I reveal the indoor–outdoor connection and how thoughtful design brings the entire home together.
